In a revealing interview with Ben Fraser Lee, McCraney discussed the deeply personal nature of Moonlight. He noted that while Barry Jenkins restructured the story’s narrative, the emotional core remained intact. “It feels ultimately personal,” McCraney said, reflecting on how themes of identity, intimacy, and trauma are present throughout the film. He also recounted the emotional impact of watching the film, stating that it resurfaced unresolved questions about identity and self-worth.
McCraney addressed the intersectionality of race and sexuality in Moonlight, describing the importance of maintaining authenticity during the filmmaking process. He commended Jenkins for not straight-washing the narrative and preserving the originality of the characters and themes, particularly regarding Black queer identity. He explained that his concerns lay more in deciding how much of his story to disclose, rather than in Jenkins’ direction or casting choices.
In an interview with American Theatre, McCraney expressed his passion for teaching and supporting emerging playwrights. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young, diverse voices in American theater. As an educator, he finds excitement in observing his students’ creativity and encourages them to remain authentic in their writing. He believes mentorship to be as beneficial for him as it is for his students, noting that his own advice often resonates with his personal journey.
Throughout his career, McCraney has developed an impressive body of work. His notable plays include Head of Passes, Choir Boy, American Trade, Wig Out!, and The Brother/Sister Plays Trilogy. Other theatrical pieces include Without/Sin and Run, Mourner, Run. He also wrote The Breach and In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, the latter serving as the basis for the Oscar-winning Moonlight.
Tarell Alvin McCraney’s exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades. His major awards include the Whiting Award (2007), New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award (2009), Windham-Campbell Literature Prize (2013), Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Moonlight (2017), and the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award (2017). He was also honored with a United States Artists Fellowship and London’s Evening Standard Theatre Award in 2018.
McCraney stands at 6'3½" (1.92 meters) tall.
Return to the previous page| Height: | 1.92 meters |
| Girlfriend: | N/A |
| Profession: | Playwright actor |
| Date of Birth: | October 17, 1980 |
| Nationality: | American |
| Net Worth: | $4 Million |
| Divorced Date: | N/A |
| Birth Place: | Liberty City, Miami, FL |
| Education: | New World School of the Arts, DePaul University, Yale School of Drama |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
